Lucasfilmhttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/7951/all
enStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for iPad Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/games/star_wars_knights_old_republic_ipad_review
<!--paging_filter--><p>Ask any game critic to name the most important or influential games of the past decade, and odds are they’ll bring up Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. First released for Xbox and PC in 2003 (and again for Mac the following year), KOTOR instantly became one of the most revered games of its generation, delivering a sprawling, original role-playing epic set thousands of years before the events of the Star Wars films. It helped raise the bar for player choice in RPGs and bolstered fans’ flagging faith in Star Wars — and now, 10 years later, it’s fully playable on iPad.</p><p><img src="/files/u330237/2013/05/kotor_2.jpg" width="620" height="465" /></p><p>Telling the story of a player-created hero destined to amass a group of fascinating companions and become a powerful Jedi master, KOTOR lets players explore huge, open environments on a variety of distinct planets. And while there are frequent opportunities to swing a lightsaber or fire a blaster in semi-turn-based battles, the real action is arguably in the conversing with each planet’s inhabitants; depending on your choices, it’s possible to form alliances or pick fights, uncover new quests, push your character toward the Light or Dark sides, and ultimately alter the course of the story. Whether you want to play as a kind-hearted crusader or a cruel mercenary is completely up to you, and that’s a big part of KOTOR’s enduring charm.<br /><br />Squeezing a game as enormous as KOTOR — which features hours of voice acting, dozens of hours of gameplay, and multiple distinct planets to explore — seems like a daunting task, but the iPad version handles it with few compromises. In fact, the most significant change is to the controls: moving forward now requires swiping upwards and holding your thumb or finger in place, while swiping across the screen moves the camera. Commands, menus and interactions with objects, meanwhile, are all handled simply by tapping. This can feel more than a little awkward, but given the game’s relatively slow pace and menu-driven battles, the controls never quite get in the way.<br /><br />Otherwise, this is by and large the same KOTOR we remember, which is both a good and a bad thing. As complex and involving as the game still is, it’s aged in unexpected ways; a lot of its environments, for example, seem excessively cavernous given that only small handfuls of small people inhabit them. Its character animations now seem weirdly stiff, and some of its dialogue comes off as cheesy or silly when it’s trying to be serious. Even so, KOTOR remains immensely playable 10 years later — it made our list of <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/25_best_mac_games_today">The 25 Best Mac Games Today</a>, after all — and the ability to take it anywhere makes it even more so.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line. </strong>Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the best games of the 2000s, and the iPad version is an uncompromisingly faithful port.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id611436052?mt=8" target="_blank">Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1.0</a></p> </div>
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Aspyr </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.aspyr.com" target="_blank">www.aspyr.com</a></p> </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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$9.99 </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>iPad 2 or newer running iOS 6.0 or later</p> </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>A complete iPad version of one of the biggest, most involving RPGs ever made. Offers fun turn-based combat, memorable characters and settings, and lots of multiple-choice freedom.</p> </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>Its graphics, writing, and environmental design are all starting to show their age. While the movement controls don't get in the way of gameplay, they never quite feel comfortable, either.</p> </div>
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http://www.maclife.com/article/games/star_wars_knights_old_republic_ipad_review#commentsGalleryReviewsapp store reviewsAppLifeAspyrBiowareGamesiOSios gamesiPod and iPhoneKnights of the Old RepublicKOTORLucasfilmrole-playingrpgrpg gamesSoftwarestar warsStar Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicSWKOTORiPadGamesThu, 30 May 2013 17:00:00 +0000Mikel Reparaz17103 at http://www.maclife.comAngry Birds Star Wars: Not So Long Ago, In An App Store Very, Very Close...http://www.maclife.com/article/news/angry_birds_star_wars_not_so_long_ago_app_store_very_very_close
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/angrybirdsstarwars_200px.png" alt="Angry Birds: Star Wars" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Say what you want about Angry Birds, but you cannot deny The Force is strong with developer Rovio, who has turned the mobile game into a mammoth hit. Now, the company really does have The Force behind them, as well as the entire Star Wars universe.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rovio.com/en/news/blog/242/angry-birds-star-wars-giveaway-celebrations/2012" target="_blank">Rovio is celebrating the release of Angry Birds Star Wars</a>, the latest chapter in the company's bird-tossing mobile gaming saga. This time around, the company has teamed up with Lucasfilm Ltd. to combine its iconic space saga and help the birds fight off the Empire's evil Pigtroopers. (That's not a typo.)<br /><br />"Rebel birds, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Imperial Pigs," the app description reads. "During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the PIG STAR, and are racing to deliver the plans to the Rebel Birds. Now they need your help!"<br /><br />Okay, it's probably as hokey as it sounds, but for even casual Angry Birds players of a certain age who still hold Star Wars close to their hearts, it's bound to be good, clean fun.<br /><br />Rovio has done a bang-up job of launching Angry Birds Star Wars across all platforms at once on Thursday, available for a mere <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/angry-birds-star-wars/id557137623?mt=8" target="_blank">99 cents in an iPhone/iPod touch edition</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/angry-birds-star-wars-hd/id557138109?mt=8" target="_blank">$2.99 for the HD iPad version</a> or only <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/angry-birds-star-wars/id557139259?mt=12" target="_blank">$4.99 for the Mac App Store release</a>.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/angry_birds_star_wars_not_so_long_ago_app_store_very_very_close#commentsNewsAngry BirdsAngry Birds Star WarsApp StoreLucasfilmmac app storemobile gamingnew releasesRoviostar warsiPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 08 Nov 2012 14:20:55 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15526 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Disney Nabs Lucasfilm, Google Search Adds Voice Recognitionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_disney_nabs_lucasfilm_google_search_adds_voice_recognition
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/disney-lucasfilm_deal_200px.png" alt="Disney-Lucasfilm deal" width="201" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Tuesday sure was a day filled with emotion. For those who weathered Hurricane Sandy the night before, it was a real-life experience; then came the fantasy-based shocker that Disney was buying Lucasfilm and making a new Star Wars film. And if that wasn't enough, we had to endure the news that Apple would be delaying the release of iTunes 11 into next month, which certainly ended the day on a bummer note.</p><h3>Disney Acquires Lucasfilm Ltd., New Star Wars Film Coming in 2015</h3><p>Okay, so it may not be strictly tech-related, but for pop culture fans, it sure was the talk of the town on Tuesday. <a href="http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-news/press-releases/2012/10/disney-acquire-lucasfilm-ltd" target="_blank">The Walt Disney Company announced its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd.</a> in a cash and stock deal worth $4.05 billion, bringing the Star Wars saga under the same shingle as Pixar, Marvel and ABC. While that alone would be newsworthy, the story has another twist: Disney is moving forward with Star Wars Episode VII, which is expected to hit theaters in 2015. George Lucas, the creator of the sci-fi series, retained 100 percent ownership of Lucasfilm and even though he's essentially now retired from the film business, will serve as a creative consultant on the new film (and apparently, others to come in the future), leaving the production in the capable hands of former Steven Spielberg producer Kathleen Kennedy. Ironically, Steve Jobs purchased Pixar from Lucas back in the '80s, which the Apple CEO eventually sold to Disney, who now owns Lucasfilm. That's pretty weird, right?</p><h3>Google Search Updated with Improved Voice Search, iPhone 5 Support</h3><p>Look out, Siri -- you've got come competition on your own home turf now. <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/googles-most-advanced-voice-search-has.html" target="_blank">The Google Official Blog announced</a> an update to the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-search/id284815942?mt=8" target="_blank">Google Search app for iOS</a>, and the big feature is "fast and accurate voice recognition technology." Based on a few minutes tinkering around with the app update, it works amazing well, and even better, words appear on-screen as you speak them so you'll know right away if the recognition isn't taking. Google has also one-upped Siri when it comes to speed, with results appearing almost instantly. The free universal app works on the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, available now in the App Store.</p><h3>Pocketpedia 3.0.3 App Brings iPhone 5, Remote Barcode Support</h3><p>Sure, we may haver fewer DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, books or video games than we used to, but there's still the occasional thing you want to own in physical form. That's where Bruji's Pedias come into play, keeping a catalog of the stuff you own while making it convenient to loan to others. The company's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocketpedia3/id516512144?mt=8" target="_blank">Pocketpedia3</a> iOS app syncs that catalog so it's with you everywhere you go, and a new version 3.0.3 update makes it even better, with iPhone 5 support, a new barcode scan feature for camera-equipped devices and the ability to use that device as a remote barcode scanner with one of the desktop Pedias on the same network as your Mac. That means no more dragging your Mac around the house to catalog your collection -- just open your iDevice, point it at a barcode and start scanning. The $3.99 app is available in the App Store, and as always, it's a free update for current users.</p><h3>Steve Ballmer Claims "Spectacular Start" for Windows 8</h3><p>Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has sure got a mouth on him, and in addition to calling Apple a "low-volume player" in the PC and smartphone market, he's known for boasting about how his company will dominate in every market it enters. Last Friday, the company launched Windows 8, and <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/30/3576512/windows-8-upgrade-sales-four-million" target="_blank">judging from a keynote slide posted by The Verge on Tuesday</a>, Ballmer claims the new operating system is off to "a spectacular start" with four million upgrades sold in the first weekend. Curiously, the CEO refused to give any specific numbers on the company's new Surface with Windows RT tablet which also launched the same day. Does Ballmer realize that Apple's iPhone alone is now worth more than everything Microsoft produces? We're just sayin'...</p><h3>Gmail Introduces Completely Redesigned Compose &amp; Reply</h3><p>We're not the type who uses a web-based email client much, but for those who do, <a href="http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/introducing-new-compose-in-gmail.html" target="_blank">the Official Gmail Blog had a bit of good news on Tuesday</a>. Google has introduced a completely redesigned compose and reply experience for the web version of Gmail, which pops up in its own window just like a chat so the user can easily reference other emails without having to save a draft, open the other email and then reopen the draft. The new compose is also easier to use, keeping the focus on your message while making it easy to add recipients with autocomplete. A preview of the new compose and reply started rolling out yesterday, and is expected to roll out for everyone in "the coming months."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_disney_nabs_lucasfilm_google_search_adds_voice_recognition#commentsNewsbrujiDisneyGmailgoogle searchLucasfilmovernight recapPocketpediastar warsSteve BallmerWindows 8iPadiPhoneiPodWed, 31 Oct 2012 12:30:28 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15459 at http://www.maclife.comComic-Con 2011: Star Wars Catalog Added To Dark Horse Digital Storehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/comiccon_2011_star_wars_catalog_added_dark_horse_digital_store
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/dark_horse_star_wars_digital_200px.jpg" alt="Star Wars Dark Horse" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you’re a fan of <em>Star Wars</em> and also an avid shopper at the Dark Horse Digital Store, you’d better hide your wallet -- the publisher and LucasFilm have just unleashed a maelstrom of digital comics for your laptop, iPhone or iPad and you’ll wanna buy ‘em all.<br /><br /><a href="http://digital.darkhorse.com/blog/2011/star-wars-comics-now-digital/" target="_blank">Dark Horse and LucasFilm announced</a> the arrival of <em>Star Wars</em> comic books to the <a href="https://digital.darkhorse.com/search/?q=star+wars" target="_blank">Dark Horse Digital Store</a> on Friday. Taking the stage at the San Diego Comic-Con 2011’s <em>Star Wars</em> Comics 20th Anniversary panel, the two media titans made the announcement to a house packed with fans, media and industry professionals.<br /><br />“Now, fans are encouraged to head over to Digital.DarkHorse.com to download their favorite <em>Star Wars</em> titles today, with over 50 comics available for purchase,” the press release exclaims. Fans can now download the original <em>Star Wars: Crimson Empire</em> series, Marvel’s adaptation of <em>Episode IV: A New Hope</em>, <em>Legacy: War</em>, <em>Jedi: The Dark Side</em>, the top-selling <em>Darth Vader and the Lost Command</em> and many others.<br /><br />Most of these titles will be priced at the standard $1.99 each, with <em>Knights of the Old Republic</em> #1 and <em>Clone Wars</em> #1 both available as a free download. Other titles such as <em>Crimson Empire</em> #1, <em>Knight Errant</em> #1 and <em>The Old Republic</em> #1 will be available for only 99 cents each.<br /><br />And that’s not all: Dark Horse is planning to release “a mix of new and backlist titles weekly,” and subscribers of the company’s newsletter will be the first to know. <a href="https://digital.darkhorse.com/nova/subscribe/" target="_blank">Sign up today at the company’s website</a>… and May The Force Be With Your Wallet!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/comiccon_2011_star_wars_catalog_added_dark_horse_digital_store#commentsNewscomic booksComic-ConDark Horsedigital comicsLucasfilmNew Releasestar warswebsitesSat, 23 Jul 2011 00:55:51 +0000J.R. Bookwalter11795 at http://www.maclife.comStar Wars Arcade Being Pulled From App Store Tomorrow [Updated]http://www.maclife.com/article/news/star_wars_arcade_being_pulled_app_store_tomorrow_updated
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u310631/starwarsarcadepulledbig.jpg" alt="Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner" width="500" height="281" /></p><p><strong>[Update]</strong></p><p>It's clearly been a bit of a crazy day over at THQ and LucasArts. When we posted earlier today, both companies had confirmed that the Star Wars Arcade game would be pulled from the App Store by the end of the day tomorrow. The fate of the entire Star Wars games franchise in the App Store was uncertain. Then, they deemed that <em>all</em> Star Wars games would need to be pulled from the App Store. But not long after that, THQ and LucasArts did a complete 180 and decided that no Star Wars games <em>at all</em> would be pulled from the store. Um...what?</p><p>The games creative director, Josh Shabtai, who was quoted in the original story below lamenting the death of his game, was again quoted by Kotaku saying the game had received a "temporary reprieve." <a href="http://kotaku.com/#!5787271/star-wars-ios-games-get-stay-of-execution" target="_blank">The article says</a> he speculates that the coverage of the game's death led to LucasArts and THQ deciding to keep the game up.</p><p>If any new updates arrive on this story we'll be sure to post them here. Hopefully there weren't too many people who rushed to the App Store to pick up this soon-to-be collector's item. It's a fairly fun game though, so it's not a total loss.</p><p>---</p><p>One of the more unique Star Wars games that has ever reached that App Store is about to be pulled forever <a href="http://kotaku.com/#!5786932/in-two-days-itunes-will-take-this-star-wars-game-away" target="_blank">according to reports</a>. This augmented reality game will apparently be one of the victims of THQ's inability to renew their licensing deal with Star Wars overlords, Lucasfilm.</p><p>The full title of the game is Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner [<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-wars-arcade-falcon-gunner/id399665096?mt=8" target="_blank">iTunes Link</a>], and it may be lost forever after March 31, so if you're at all interested in this title, or if you're a collector of rare apps then you should snatch this one up quickly before it's gone. The game is classified as an augmented reality game because the iPhone's camera provides the background environment. From there you fight off tie fighters and Imperial gunships as they attack from whatever environment you're looking at.</p><p>It's theoretically possible that the agreements could be renewed sometime down the road and the game will be put back in the store, but the game's creator doesn't seem to be counting on it. Josh Shabtai, creative director on Falcon Gunner wrote in a <a href="http://joshshabtai.squarespace.com/journal/2011/3/28/it-is-a-dark-time-for-the-rebellion.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> that he was thrilled to see his 27-year-old dream of making a Star Wars game come to life.</p><p>"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad," said Shabtai. "Especially when I knew what we had planned:&nbsp; An awesome iPad 2 version. An Android version. Visual interaction in AR mode. And last but not least, a Battle of Endor update[...]But anyway. We had a good run. We got to make a friggin' Star Wars game! And even cooler, more immersive things are yet to come from Vertigore."</p><p>R.I.P. Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner -- November 18, 2010 - March 31, 2011</p><p><object width="620" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LoodrUC05r0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LoodrUC05r0?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/star_wars_arcade_being_pulled_app_store_tomorrow_updated#commentsNewsiOSiphoneiPod touchLucasfilmstar warsStar Wars Arcade: Falcon GunnerTHQVertigoreiPadiPhoneiPodGamesWed, 30 Mar 2011 17:33:24 +0000Andrew Groen10495 at http://www.maclife.com